As a matter of fact meaning in English

Learn how to use As a matter of fact correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Definition

as a matter of fact: in fact, in reality, actually idiom
As a matter of fact, I have never liked green beans. I thought you knew that.

Examples

  • "Icarus : As a matter of fact I did."
  • "Icarus : Yes, as a matter of fact they are!"
  • "Susie : As a matter of fact Philip, since you insist on making this a financial issue: immediately after the public became aware of their labor practices, their stock dropped 44% despite a booming stock market."
Exercise 1
a matter of fact, Bob is as old Bruno.
As 1 a matter of fact, Bob is as old as 2 Bruno.
1 As: The expression 'as a matter of fact' always requires 'as' to introduce it. 'As' is often used to introduce comparisons. 'As a matter of fact' introduces a factual or true statement.
1 In: We can say 'in fact' but not 'in a matter of fact'. The best choice here is 'as'.
2 as: 'As' correctly expresses the comparison between the ages of Bruno and Bob. 'He is AS old AS Bruno' is an example of a comparison of equality, which requires 'as' to both introduce and complete the comparison.
2 that: 'That' does not fit in this type of comparative construction.
2 for: 'For' is incorrect. Using 'for' in this construction is grammatically incorrect. 'For' is not used in comparative constructions like this one.
Exercise 2
Today's broadcast is titled, "Dinosaurs: Fact or Fiction?"

From the list below, select the sentences which use the expression fact or fiction correctly.

There may be more than one correct answer!

Today's broadcast is titled, "Dinosaurs: Fact or Fiction?"

From the list below, select the sentences which use the expression fact or fiction correctly.

There may be more than one correct answer!
This sentence doesn't use the expression "fact or fiction" correctly. This expression can't be used together with the idiom "as a matter of fact", which is used to correct or contradict a statement made by another person. The speaker might say, "as a matter of fact, I am only 21 years old". The term "fiction", which refers to a topic which is imaginary or unreal, doesn't belong in this sentence.
This sentence uses the expression "fact or fiction" correctly. A "fact" is real or true, and "fiction" refers to a topic which is imaginary or unreal. The sentence expresses that nobody knows whether fairies exist or not, or if they are "fact or fiction". "Fact or fiction" is an expression often seen in titles of articles, books, or news programs where the existence of a given subject will be discussed, examined or debated. Note that "fiction" is also the name given to a genre of books based on original stories not necessarily rooted in truth or fact (such as Moby Dick, or The Three Musketeers).
This sentence uses the expression "fact or fiction" correctly, in the same way as Brent uses it in this broadcast. A "fact" is real or true, and "fiction" refers to a topic which is imaginary or unreal. This question asks whether or not God exists: whether he or she is "fact" or "fiction". "Fact or fiction" is an expression often seen in titles of articles, books, or news programs where the existence of a given subject will be discussed, examined or debated. Note that "fiction" is also the name given to a genre of books based on original stories not necessarily rooted in truth or fact (such as Snow White or The Brothers Karamazov).
This sentence doesn't use the expression "fact or fiction" correctly. To express that a statement ("the world is round") is true, we would say "it's a fact" or "that's a fact". To express that it is false or untrue, we might say that it is "fiction". Using the idiom "fact or fiction" to express that a statement is true does not make sense. To emphasize or underline the truth or veracity of a statement we often use the expression "that's a fact". For example: My eyes are green and that's a fact.

Still unsure of the best way to use 'As a matter of fact'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online English lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my English. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment

Absolutely free - no strings attached.